Griffin Falls in spring. Photo courtesy of Joe Hollick
Click to enlarge
Griffin Falls. Photo courtesy of Joe Hollick
Click to enlarge
Griffin Falls, also known as Heritage Falls,
is located on a small tributary of the Sulphur Creek and
classified as a Washboard Classical Cascade. It stands 5 metres (16 feet) high
and 2.4 metres (8 feet) wide.
History
This waterfall has some interesting history. It is known as Griffin Falls because Enerals Griffin (1784-1878)
bought 50 acres of the surrounding property from George Hogeboom
in 1830. Griffin, who was born in Delaware, was believed to be a runaway slave from Virginia.
He married his wife Priscilla when he arrived in Ancaster in 1833. Their
only known child was a son, James Griffin (1833-1917) who
became a well known veterinarian in the Ancaster area. The
land remained in the Griffin family until 1988 when it was
purchased by the Hamilton Conservation Authority. The Griffin
House has been preserved as a museum depicting Griffin's life
there and slavery in general.
Griffin Falls has been featured on the poster "WATERFALLS
OF HAMILTON SEASONS" with a trickle of water flowing during
the winter.
How to get there
Griffin Falls is located behind the Griffin House (on Mineral
Springs Rd.) along the Homestead Trail. To view this waterfall,
there is parking (a small fee) at the Hermitage ruins on Sulphur
Springs Rd. at the intersection of Mineral Springs Rd. At the
rear of the parking lot follow the Homestead Trail to Griffin
Falls.
Griffin Falls Video
A video segment from a waterfall walk
Griffin Falls Photo Gallery
Griffin Falls. Photo courtesy of Chris Ecklund. Click to enlarge
Griffin Falls. Photo courtesy of Chris Ecklund. Click to enlarge
Griffin Falls. Photo courtesy of Chris Ecklund. Click to enlarge
Griffin Falls. Photo courtesy of Chris Ecklund. Click to enlarge
Griffin Falls. Photo courtesy of Chris Ecklund. Click to enlarge
Griffin Falls. Photo courtesy of Chris Ecklundt. Click to enlarge
